Otranto

Otranto is a town and comune in the province of Lecce, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It sits on the Adriatic coast at the easternmost point of the Italian peninsula, facing the Strait of Otranto, which connects the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian Sea and separates Italy from Albania. The historic center preserves a medieval-to-Baroque urban fabric and a port that has long linked the town to maritime trade and defense.

The town’s history reflects periods of Byzantine, Norman, and Aragonese influence, culminating in a coastal fortress and a notable cathedral. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, dating from the 11th–12th centuries, contains a renowned 12th-century mosaic floor illustrating biblical scenes and houses the relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, who perished during the 1480 Ottoman siege. The Castello Aragonese, built in the 15th century on a cliff above the harbor, remains a dominant landmark and museum space.

Economy and geography: Today, Otranto relies on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, with the local built environment characterized by pietra leccese, a soft limestone used in many historic structures. The surrounding coastline includes beaches and natural areas such as the Alimini Lakes, which attract visitors and contribute to the regional landscape.

Demographics: The comune has a population of around several thousand residents. Otranto remains a cultural and historical gateway to the eastern coast of Apulia and a popular base for exploring the Salento peninsula.